Horse

Horse- The symbol of power

There is an eternal bond between humans and Horses since decades. They own a respected place in many countries and domesticated from some 4,000 years ago. Only few of its breeds are domesticated while most of them are wild; found in almost every region. Usually they spend their time in groups of 3 to 20 animals. The gestation period is 11 months; 280 days are the minimum to produce a live newborn. The life span is generally between 30 to 35 years though it depends on the caretaker of horse. Some common diseases that horses can adapt are eczema and abscesses. Their skin is highly sensitive to parasites like mites, lice and ticks. Chronic asthma is another common disease for Horses if they are not fed properly.

Terminology for Horses that uses worldwide:

Newborn baby Horse: Foal

Female Horse younger than 3 years: Filly

Female Horse that is 3 years or older: Mare

Male Horse that is 3 years or younger: Colt

Adult Male Horse whose testicles have been removed: Gelding

Uncastrated Adult male Horse: Stallion

Fully grown small Horse: Pony

The Scientific name of Horse is Equus caballus and is a herbivorous mammal that hits the road belongs to family Equidae. Variety of this specie is known as breeds. This animal is generally used for travelling on its back since years.

Domestication: It is believed that domestication took place at nearly 6,000 years ago and is firstly used by a tribe of Indo-European for the purpose of travelling. A Horse can hardly influenced by climate, food availability and other factors. A strong and positive relationship between humans and Horses has been evidenced. Whether professional or non-professional Horse riders, they both comprised a long and unbreakable bond with Horses. They have been treating for breeding, meat production, milk or wool production. Equestrianism, oftenly known as riding or Horse riding is a skill of riding Horses. There are several purpose for which Horses are served fairly: working purposes, transportation, entertainment, cultural exercises, recreational activities and competitive sport. Apart from all these uses, they are still using in farming or mount climbing.

Skeleton of a Horse:

Atlas: It is the first bone of neckCervical vertebrae: bones of the neckThoracic vertebrae: bones that form the dorsal part of the thoracic cageLumbar vertebrae: the bones of the lumbar region of the backSacrum: the set of sacral vertebraeCaudal vertebrae: bones of the tailPelvis are set of bones to which are attached the rear legsFemur: the thigh bonePatella: bone that allows the flexibility of the thighTibia: the leg boneCalcaneus: bone that forms the hock tip around kneeTarsus: bone that is forming the joint between tibia and metatarsus.Metatarsus: hock bonePhalanges: toe bonesThird phalange: the toe boneSecond phalange: middle toe bone.First phalange: the toe bone closest to the metatarsusCannon bone: It resembles our wristCarpus: wrist boneRadius: forearm boneSternum: bone forming the underside of the thoracic cageHumerus: arm boneRib: bone of the thoracic cageScapula: shoulder boneMandible: lower jaw
Tooth: hard organ used to chew foodOrbital cavity: cavity of the skull which contains the eyeSkull: bony case of the skull

Nutrition for Horses:

The natural food for horses which they can feed easily upon is Grass. Moving towards stabled horses, their diet consist hay and grain. Oats are a great nutritional food and it can be given to older horses with excellent nutritional value. Chaff can be added with oats for those ones who cannot chew food properly. Salt, carrots, breads, sugar, corn potatoes, green leaves, beans can also be given to the animal, if necessary. In Iceland even fish is provided to them as a meal. Like humans, animals also not needed to get food immediately after a workout. Fresh water is obviously good for them but not right after a work session or overheated.